Chael Sonnen: Would MMA Miss Him If He Never Fought Again?

Chael Sonnen's run at middleweight is currently dead. But, don't be alarmed Sonnen fans, the West Linn, Oregon native is about to try his hand at light heavyweight, a weight class he used to fight at.

One would have to think that if this run is a failure, then Sonnen would likely hang up the gloves and call it a career.

I mean, think about it. He failed to capture the UFC Middleweight Championship twice. A failure to capture light heavyweight gold would completely derail any existing hype that the wrestling powerhouse has.

The biggest question, though, is if MMA would miss him if he never fought again.

Now, obviously, he would still have a career in broadcasting and being an analyst, which he currently does for Fox related events. However, that is not the same Sonnen as the Sonnen that is in fight mode.

Yes, Sonnen would still be quick witted and entertaining behind the microphone. I rather enjoy his commentaries on UFC Tonight and pre/post-fight broadcasts.

I, for one, would miss Chael immensely if he were to never fight for the UFC again.

Of course, he could still take verbal jabs at fighters from behind a suit and desk. But, he could never get the chance to back up that verbal dagger with his fighting skills.

His ability to sell a fight and anger his opponent are almost second to none. He has the uncanny ability to get under people's skin and attract media attention with offensive verbal pokes.

Would you personally miss Chael if he were to never fight again?

YesNoSubmit Votevote to see results

Would you personally miss Chael if he were to never fight again?

Yes

82.8%

No

17.2%

Total votes: 1,611

Of course, some think that Sonnen's fight style is boring, but these are probably the same people who call Anthony Johnson boring, Kenny Florian a "wall and staller" and Rashad Evans a gate keeper.

Sonnen does have an exciting style. Though he is primarily a wrestling-oriented fighter, he throws a lot of ground and pound and tries to finish fights.

I mean, watch his first fight with Anderson Silva. He could have coasted those last two minutes and won the UFC championship. Instead, he was looking to finish the champion and in doing so, got caught in the infamous triangle choke.

So, in this writer's opinion, yes, the sport would miss Chael if he were to never fight again. The sport needs his personality and selling ability.

Some say Sonnen is bad for the sport, but there is one truth. He gets people talking about the sport.

Any type of advertising for the company is good. As long as people are talking about MMA and the UFC.